Monday, January 24, 2011

Quinn to sign civil unions bill one week from today

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn will sign the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (SB1716) with guests and members of the public. With this law, Illinois joins the handful of U.S. states that have expanded recognition and rights to all families. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the signing of this historic legislation.

WHEN: 4 p.m. Jan. 31WHERE: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, 60601 ADDITIONAL: Members of the public are invited to witness this historic occasion. As space is limited, RSVPs to gov.civilunionsrsvp@illinois.gov are encouraged. Guests without an RSVP will be seated as space is available.

Still no word on the death-penalty repeal.

Posted at 02:06:38 PM

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I haven't read the bill, but I expect that this has to do with the fear that churches (and other religious orgs) will be forced to, say, give benefits or any other recognition to civil unions. I know that when "gay marriage" is brought up some churches are fearful that they would be forced to perform ceremonies (which of course is not true - churches aren't even forced to perform marriages of their own denomination), and I'm sure that this came up with this bill, so it was something to reassure them that this bill had to do with governmental recognition, etc. It was probably necessary to convince some reps that it was the right thing to do.

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